Liberia

Liberia became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on December 14, 2009.

Smoke Free Places

Smoking is prohibited in indoor workplaces, indoor public places, and public transport, except for: (1) private homes “where no public business is transacted,” (2) personal vehicles “when used for private purposes [and] no minor is in the vehicle,” (3) “outdoors in predominantly or substantially open areas,” and (4) “specially designated areas” that meet specific requirements. However, sub-national jurisdictions may enact smoke free laws that are more stringent than the national law.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship

There are no restrictions on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship; all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship is allowed.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling

Tobacco product packaging and labeling is not regulated; health warnings and messages are not required.

Cigarette Contents and Disclosures

The law does not grant the authority to regulate the contents of cigarettes. The law does not require that manufacturers and importers disclose to government authorities information on the contents and emissions of their products.

Sales Restrictions

The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products via vending machines or the internet, nor are there restrictions on the sale of single cigarettes or small packets of cigarettes. The sale of tobacco products is prohibited to persons under the age of 18.

Roadmap to Tobacco Control Legislation

The 2008 Act to Prohibit the Use of Tobacco and Tobacco Products in Public Places and the Sale and Use of Tobacco and Tobacco Products by Persons Under the Age of 18 Years (The Act) is the primary piece of tobacco control legislation. Detailed regulations implementing The Act were adopted in 2011. Neither the law nor the regulations address tobacco product packaging and labeling or tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship.

Review Status

This country’s legal measures were reviewed by our legal staff. No in-country lawyers or tobacco control experts were consulted for the review.